Real Madrid signs Courtois from Chelsea

Real Madrid have signed Thibaut Courtois from Chelsea. The Spanish giants have announced the transfer on their official website. Real Madrid has agreed a €35m transfer fee with Chelsea for the goalkeeper, with Courtois signing a five-year contract at the Santiago Bernabeu.

The transfer is not considered to be a major surprise as the Belgian looked to be on his way to Madrid for weeks. Courtois was unhappy at Chelsea and already expressed the desire to move back to Spain to be closer to his two children who live in Madrid. However, Chelsea wanted to sign a replacement before they would allow Courtois to complete his move.

The Blues had difficulties finding a suitable replacement for the Belgian, with several names being linked to the club. On Tuesday reports emerged that Chelsea was close to sign Spanish goalkeeper Kepa from Athletic Bilbao and that transfer was finalised on Wednesday. With Kepa to Chelsea, Courtois was free to complete his deal at Real Madrid.

As part of the Courtois transfer, Real Madrid have allowed Mateo Kovacic to complete a season-long loan move to Chelsea. The Croatian wants to play more regular football and feared for his position under new boss Julen Lopetegui. Kovacic will be loaned for a season to Chelsea, who did not include an option to buy in the loan deal.